QWhat grade are you in?

A I am in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q What is your favorite subject? Why?

A My favorite subject in school is social studies. My favorite class this year is humanities. The humanities course at EHS encompasses the disciplines of English/ literature, history, philosophy, art and music. That class consistently challenges me to think more, dig deeper and learn more about myself. I always walk out of humanities class having learned something new and interesting about the world.

Q Have you received any special awards or recognition?

AI was inducted into the Latin Honor Society and National Honor Society. I received the award of academic achievement in the world language department for both Latin I and Latin II, as well as the student of the month for the world language department in March 2013. I won the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award Contest for EHS. Under my leadership, Emmaus High School Collage Magazine won a Silver PSPA Award in 2013 and 2014. I've earned both a first and second place in the EHS Poetry Out Loud competition and represented EHS at the regional competition. I received a Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award and was chosen to participate in Keystone Girls State at Shippensburg University in 2014. I have also received many Girl Scout awards including two awards for my service to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, first and second place service unit community service awards for the Little Lehigh Service Unit, the Senior Community Service award for contributing at least 20 hours of community service to a sole charity or organization and the Silver and Gold Torch leadership award. I am an elected delegate to the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and have served since 2013.

Q Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A At school I participate in Collage Magazine (president), Poetry Out Loud (president), Drama Department (historian), Latin Club and National Honor Society. Collage Magazine is the art and literary magazine of EHS. Additionally, I am a member of the junior board of directors for Camelot for Children, I regularly lector for St. Ann's Church and I have been a Girl Scout since kindergarten.

QWhat is your next goal after high school?

A After high school, I plan to study at a 4-year university, double-majoring in political science and international relations. My dream future career would be to become U.S. secretary of state.

Q What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

AJuggling my responsibilities for the clubs and organizations to which I belong can sometimes be a struggle. However, all of them are very rewarding. Over the years I have learned a lot about scheduling and time management, which are skills that will help me for the rest of my life.

Q What do you want to be remembered for?

A I want to be remembered for enacting meaningful change. One thing I think is very inspiring about humanity is it constantly changes. We constantly try to do things better the next time. Ideas, fashions, trends and politics can vary from day-to-day. Even if people don't remember my name, I hope someone remembers the change I made that makes their life more pleasant. I hope to be a force for good in the world.

Q Who is in your family?

A I have two amazing parents, Paul and Marg. They always encourage and support me to be myself and to reach for my goals. I also have a brother who is a couple of years younger than me. He never fails to make me laugh. More than siblings, we are also very good friends and can go to each other when we need support. I am extremely blessed to have such a fantastic family.

Q Do you have someone you look up to?

A I often find myself looking up to Taylor Swift. Since she was my age, she has been constantly under the scrutiny of the media. Aside from writing relatable song lyrics and singing songs to which I find myself wanting to "Shake it Off," she is such a good role model for the girls of this country. Many young celebrities take extremes to seek attention or make a statement. Often these extremes are not made in the best taste. Taylor Swift is a refreshing dose of something different. She has grown into womanhood with such grace and without having any sort of ugly breakdowns. She spreads positivity and never has anything bad to say about anyone. In her interviews, she answers questions with poise, healthy humility and clarity of thought. She does awesome things for her fans and reminds them how much they mean to her. She is an inspiring young public figure and a good example for the young people of America.

Q Do you have any advice for your peers?

A I advise my peers not to fear failure. I want my peers to hear this message more often because, as a senior in high school, failure is my biggest fear. My peers and I are lucky to live in the country that we do, as well as the school district that we do. EHS provides a very high quality education with so many amazing opportunities. In comparison to other school districts around the country, we want for very little. With all of these resources given to us, we have such high expectations placed upon us. Many of us will turn 18 this year and have our entire lives at our fingertips. What if I mess up? What if I don't get into my dream college? What if I decide to change my major in my junior year of college? What if I forget to take risks? What if I look back on my life with regret? It's a lot of pressure to put on ourselves. In the times when we feel overwhelmed by life and all of its possibilities we should remember that each mistake and each failure is a new opportunity to learn about ourselves. Each stumble can open a new world of opportunities.